Rising Front: A Historical Sandbox with a Side of Chaos

When strategy meets sandbox, and the AI takes a coffee break

Launch Day Larry

Rising Front is a game that promises a unique blend of strategic planning and immersive action, all wrapped up in a historical setting. But does it deliver on this ambitious premise, or does it leave players feeling like they’re stuck in a time loop of repetitive gameplay? Let’s dive into the trenches and find out.

Gameplay: A Tale of Two Perspectives

Rising Front’s gameplay is like a buffet of strategic options, offering players the ability to switch between a bird’s-eye view and a first-person perspective. This dual perspective is a standout feature, allowing for both macro-level planning and up-close action. It’s like having your cake and eating it too, assuming your cake involves commanding troops and dodging bullets.

The game shines with its sandbox elements, offering creative strategies and fun scenarios. The ability to call in commands like line formations and artillery strikes adds depth to the gameplay, while the simple yet charming graphics keep things running smoothly, even during intense combat. However, the game does feel a bit like a work in progress, with some UX/UI elements still in the “coming soon” category. Plus, the core gameplay loop can feel as repetitive as a broken record, and the AI occasionally acts like it’s on a permanent coffee break.

Despite these hiccups, the game is playable on the Steam Deck, which is a win for those who like to game on the go. The controls are smooth, and the gunplay is satisfying, even if the weaponry can feel a bit clunky at times. The potential for multiplayer with added bots is a tantalizing prospect, hinting at future development possibilities.

Graphics: Simple, Functional, and Occasionally Janky

Rising Front’s graphics are a bit like a minimalist painting—simple and functional, but not exactly a feast for the eyes. The visuals are adequate for the game’s style, providing enough detail to give the 3D environments some character without overwhelming the player. However, the graphics are not without their quirks. Some players have described them as a “laggy mess,” and the new running animation looks like it was borrowed from a 90s sitcom.

Performance issues are a notable drawback, with some players experiencing lag despite the simplicity of the graphics. This lack of optimization can be frustrating, especially for those with high-end systems expecting a smoother experience. On the bright side, the graphics perform well on less powerful systems, maintaining solid frame rates even in the heat of battle.

Story: A Historical Backdrop with a Focus on Action

Rising Front’s story is set against a historical backdrop, suggesting a rich narrative environment. However, the game seems more interested in the “shooty shooty bang bang” aspect than in telling a detailed story. The historical setting provides context and depth, but the narrative takes a backseat to the action-packed gameplay.

The unique perspective shifts between a bird’s-eye view and a first-person perspective could enhance the narrative by allowing players to experience the story from different angles. However, specific plot points or character development are not heavily emphasized, leaving the story feeling more like a backdrop than a driving force.

Final Verdict

Rising Front is a game with a lot of potential, offering a unique blend of strategy and action in a historical setting. The gameplay is engaging and enjoyable, with room for improvement, particularly in graphics and potential multiplayer features. While technical issues and development uncertainties are present, the core mechanics are appreciated by players. If you’re looking for a game that lets you command troops and dive into the action, Rising Front might just be worth a shot.

Score: 6.5/10